Fuente: Jewish Virtual Library y JVL
Israeli Memorial Day, observed on Iyar 4, remembers those who died in the wars that Israel has fought.
May 8, 2011 (5th of Iyar, 5771)
April 24, 2012 (3rd of Iyar, 5772)
April 14, 2013 (5th of Iyar, 5773)
The Israeli Knesset established the fourth of Iyar, the day preceding Yom Ha-Atzmaut, as a Memorial Day for soldiers who lost their lives in battle for the creation of the State of Israel and all those soldiers who died subsequently defending the State of Israel.
Perhaps because much of the Israeli population has relatives or close friends who have died defending Israel, Yom Ha-Zikaron is widely observed throughout all sectors of Israel, with the exception of most Arabs (Druze and Beduoin, many of whom have served in the Israeli military, being a notable exception) and non-Zionist haredi Jews. Throughout the entire day (beginning at sunset, per the Jewish lunar calendar) places of entertainment are closed by law. Unlike in America, in which Memorial Day is often used simply as an excuse for another sale, Israeli shops, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. are shut down. The radio and television stations play programs about Israel's wars and show programming that convey the somber mood of the day.
Perhaps the most widely recognized commemoration, as on Yom HaShoah, an air raid siren is played twice during Yom Ha-Zikaron. All activity, including traffic, immediately ceases. People get out of their cars, even in the middle of otherwise busy highways, and stand in respect for the sacrifice of those who died defending Israel. The first siren marks the beginning of Memorial Day and the second is sounded immediately prior to the public recitation of prayers in military cemeteries.
Remarks by President Peres at opening of Remembrance Day (May 8, 2011) - We didn't seek war. It was imposed upon us. But when we were attacked, we didn't have the possibility to lose, even one war. And when we won, we returned to seek peace
Tel Aviv Journal: The Baby Stopped Crying When the Siren Sounded (Martin Peretz, May 10, 2011 |